Road offences top 1,000

MORE than 1,200 motorists in Suffolk have been caught speeding, using their mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt, in just the first two months of 2008, it emerged today.

Suffolk police say the figures show there are still people who are failing to abide by the law, not only putting themselves at risk of serious injury or even death, but others too.

As part of the force's ongoing enforcement campaign, officers have been continuing to crackdown on motoring offences in a bid to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured in collisions on the county's roads.

In January this year, 241 motorists were given fixed penalty notices for speeding, 121 motorists or passengers were caught not wearing a seatbelt and 126 motorists were given fixed penalty notices for using a mobile phone or other hand held device whilst driving.

Last month a total of 200 motorists were given fixed penalty notices for speeding, 410 motorists or passengers were caught not wearing a seatbelt, and 156 motorists were given fixed penalty notices for using a mobile phone or other hand held device whilst driving.

Chief Inspector Martin Barnes-Smith, of Suffolk's roads policing unit, said: “I'd like to put out a clear message: break the law on Suffolk's roads and you will be caught.

“I'd also like to make an appeal: if you know someone who drives too fast, who doesn't wear their seatbelt, or who uses their mobile phone while driving, please remind them of the potential consequences and how irresponsible their actions are.

“Unfortunately there are still a minority of people who are intent on endangering their own lives and the lives of others.

“We need to change their attitude to road safety and make Suffolk an even safer place to travel.”

Suffolk police currently works closely with other agencies, including Suffolk County Council and Suffolk SafeCam, as part of the Suffolk Roadsafe partnership.

For more information visit www.suffolkroadsafe.net.